Seed gum-based delivery systems and their application in encapsulation of bioactive molecules

Abstract

Now-a-days, the food/pharma realm faces with great challenges for the application of bioactive molecules when applying them in free form due to their instability in vitro/in vivo. For promoting the biological and functional properties of bioactive molecules, efficient delivery systems have played a pivotal role offering a controlled delivery and improved bioavailability/solubility of bioactives. Among different carbohydrate-based delivery systems, seed gum-based vehicles (SGVs) have shown great promise, facilitating the delivery of a high concentration of bioactive at the site of action, a controlled payload release, and less bioactive loss. SGVs are potent structures to promote the bioavailability, beneficial properties, and in vitro/in vivo stability of bioactive components. Here, we offer a comprehensive overview of seed gum-based nano- and microdevices as delivery systems for bioactive molecules. We have a focus on structural/functional attributes and health-promoting benefits of seed gums, but also strategies involving modification of these biopolymers are included. Diverse SGVs (nano/microparticles, functional films, hydrogels/nanogels, particles for Pickering nanoemulsions, multilayer carriers, emulsions, and complexes/conjugates) are reviewed and important parameters for bioactive delivery are highlighted (e.g. bioactive-loading capacity, control of bioactive release, (bio)stability, and so on). Future challenges for these biopolymer-based carriers have also been discussed.

Highlights

• Seed gum-based polymers are promising materials to design different bioactive delivery systems.

• Seed gum-based delivery systems are particles, fibers, complexes, conjugates, hydrogels, etc.

• Seed gum-based vehicles are potent structures to promote the bioavailability, beneficial properties, and in vitro/in vivo stability of bioactive components.

GRAPHICAL ABTSRACT

Keywords:

• Bioactive molecules
• delivery systems
• encapsulation
• seed gums

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.